7 Take Aways as Celtics Clinch No.2 Seed with Win Over Raptors
As the NBA regular season winds down, the Boston Celtics clinched the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over the Toronto Raptors. This victory has given the Celtics home-court advantage throughout the first two rounds of the playoffs, which is a significant advantage.
Kemba Walker is back to his old self
Kemba Walker had been struggling with injuries for most of the season, but he showed signs of returning to form in the win over the Raptors. Walker scored 23 points on 9-of-19 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. He looked confident and aggressive on offense, attacking the Raptors' defense and getting to the rim with ease. If Walker can continue to play at this level, he will be a huge asset for the Celtics in the playoffs.
Jayson Tatum is a bona fide superstar
Jayson Tatum had another stellar performance against the Raptors, scoring 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three-point range. He also grabbed 14 rebounds, dished out 2 assists, and recorded 2 steals. Tatum has been the Celtics' best player all season and has emerged as one of the best young players in the NBA. He can take over games and carry the team on his back, and he will be a key factor in the Celtics' playoff success.
The Celtics' defense is suffocating
The Celtics' defense was outstanding against the Raptors, holding them to just 96 points on 37.8% shooting from the field. The Celtics were especially effective at defending the three-point line, as the Raptors made just 9-of-31 from beyond the arc. The Celtics have been one of the best defensive teams in the league all season, and their ability to lock down opponents will be crucial in the playoffs.
The bench is starting to come together
The Celtics' bench has been a weakness for much of the season, but they showed signs of improvement against the Raptors. Payton Pritchard had 12 points and 4 rebounds off the bench, and Romeo Langford added 8 points and 4 rebounds. If the Celtics can get consistent production from their bench in the playoffs, it will take some pressure off their starters and make them a more well-rounded team.
The Celtics can win without Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown sat out the game against the Raptors with a sprained ankle, but the Celtics could still secure the win. This is a good sign for the Celtics, as they will likely need to win games without their full roster in the playoffs. The Celtics have a deep and talented team, and they have shown that they can overcome adversity and win games even when they are short-handed.
The Celtics have a favorable playoff matchup
As the No.2 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics will face the No.7 seed in the first round of the playoffs. This is a favorable matchup for the Celtics, as they will likely face either the Indiana Pacers or the Washington Wizards. While both teams are talented, the Celtics have a better overall roster and should be able to advance to the second round.
The Celtics have a chance to make a deep playoff run
With the No.2 seed in the Eastern Conference and a talented roster that includes Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have a legitimate chance to make a deep playoff run. They will need to continue to play strong defense, get consistent production from their bench, and stay healthy, but if they can do those things, they could be a dangerous team in the playoffs
The Celtics' chemistry is improving
The Celtics had some well-documented chemistry issues earlier in the season, but they seem to be getting on the same page at the right time. The team has been more vocal and supportive of each other on the court, and players are starting to find their roles within the team. This cohesion will be crucial in the playoffs, as the Celtics must rely on each other to overcome tough opponents.
Brad Stevens is a playoff-tested coach
Brad Stevens has led the Celtics to the playoffs in seven of his eight seasons as head coach, and he has shown an ability to adjust his game plan and make in-game decisions that can swing the outcome of a series. While Stevens has yet to win a championship, he has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in the league and could be a major asset for the Celtics in the playoffs.
The Celtics need to stay healthy
One of the biggest concerns for the Celtics heading into the playoffs is their health. Kemba Walker has dealt with knee injuries all season, and Jaylen Brown is currently nursing a sprained ankle. If either of these players misses significant time in the playoffs, it could severely hamper the Celtics' chances of advancing. The team will need to be cautious with their stars and hope that they can stay on the court when it matters most.
Overall, the Celtics have reason to feel optimistic heading into the playoffs. They have a talented roster, a strong defense, and a favorable first-round matchup. If they can continue to play at a high level and stay healthy, they could make a deep playoff run and potentially compete for a championship.
The Celtics will need to improve their rebounding
The Celtics have struggled with rebounding all season, and it was an issue against the Raptors as well. While the Celtics were able to secure the win, the Raptors outrebounded them 50-40. The Celtics will need to do a better job on the boards in the playoffs, as second-chance opportunities can be killer against talented opponents.
The Celtics have a versatile offense
The Celtics have a lot of offensive weapons and can score in a variety of ways. They have players who can attack the rim, shoot from outside, and create their own shots. This versatility will make it harder for opponents to game plan against them and could give the Celtics an edge in close games.
The Celtics have playoff experience
Many of the Celtics' key players have been to the playoffs before and know what it takes to win in the postseason. This experience could be a major asset for the team, as they will be more prepared for the heightened intensity and pressure of playoff basketball.
The Celtics will need to limit turnovers
The Celtics had 16 turnovers against the Raptors, which is higher than their season average. Turnovers can be especially costly in the playoffs, where possessions are at a premium and mistakes can be magnified. The Celtics will need to take care of the ball and limit turnovers if they want to be successful in the postseason.
The Celtics have a loyal and passionate fanbase
The Celtics have one of the most dedicated fanbases in the NBA, and their support can be felt both at home and on the road. While home-court advantage won't be as significant in this year's playoffs due to limited fan attendance, the Celtics will still benefit from their fans' energy and enthusiasm. This could give the team an extra boost when they need it most.
0 Comments